"Don't let him escape!" Lee shouted.
Even without Lee's reminder, Shuro had no intention of letting Pang Guan go. He knew very well that even though he had reached the Foundation Building First Stage, possessing strength comparable to the Small Spirit Realm, he was still no match for the Third Young Master. If the Third Young Master found out that not only had he turned bad luck into good, but his strength had also greatly increased, he would undoubtedly take action against him.
Staring at Pang Guan's back, Shuro took a deep breath. His body floated like a feather, his feet stepping on the snowflakes that hadn't touched the ground, and he rushed forward.
Pang Guan, injured and panicked, was no match for Shuro's momentum. In a few breaths, Shuro reached Pang Guan's back, opened his arms, and pounced on him like an eagle hunting for prey.
Pang Guan, a renowned martial artist, experienced and knowledgeable, knew he couldn't escape. He stopped and turned around.
With deep hatred in his eyes, Pang Guan's left arm transformed into a cluster of strange flames, shaped like a long knife, carrying thousands of pounds of force, roaring toward Shuro.
In the Seven Arts Escape Technique, Pang Guan excelled in fire arts, and he cultivated his martial skills to a profound level. Confident in his martial prowess, even with severe injuries, as long as he could force Shuro to retreat, he could escape.
Bang! Bang! Bang...
In Pang Guan's horrified gaze, Shuro, relying solely on his fists, clashed head-on with the fire martial technique. Instead of retreating, Shuro forced Pang Guan to step back repeatedly.
One punch, two punches, three punches... Shuro's fist techniques were plain and simple, a basic horse-stance punch from the Tera Dynasty's alchemy martial arts. Even a three-year-old could mimic it. However, when executed by Shuro, it displayed extraordinary power. Each punch created a vortex-like three-foot fist mark in the air, and the air poured to the sides like a wave, producing explosive sounds.
The simplest horse-stance punch, in Shuro's hands, carried the power of top-tier alchemy martial arts!
The sixth punch, with a crisp sound, shattered Pang Guan's bones. White bones pierced through the skin, blood staining his left arm red, a shocking sight.
Pang Guan groaned in despair, his eyes revealing hopelessness.
How is this possible? Haven't I already injured him severely? Wasn't his qi pellet destroyed by Faithe?
Why does he suddenly possess Small Spirit Realm strength?
What the hell is going on?
Pang Guan stared blankly, wide-eyed and roaring in his heart.
The seventh punch completely destroyed Pang Guan's left arm, shattered his chest bone, and severed his heart's arteries.
"Third Young Master won't spare you!"
"On the day of the feast, it will be your time to die!"
"Third Young Master, he, he... is already the designated... successor of the immortal sect."
"You ignorant people, how could you know what an immortal sect is! They are existences that can turn you to ashes with a snap of their fingers... Offending Third Young Master, you're doomed... None of you can escape!"
Pang Guan seemed to be spinning in place as if drunk, swaying unsteadily. His voice became smaller and smaller until it was no longer audible.
"Designated successor of the immortal sect?" Shuro raised an eyebrow, his tone strange.
Pang Guan, gasping for breath, couldn't speak anymore, but his eyes showed deep satisfaction. Even in the last moments of his life, he still enjoyed others' fear.
Shuro chuckled.
"Designated successor of the immortal sect? What a joke!"
"A cultivation sect that allows someone in the Foundation Building Stage to roam freely is considered an immortal sect?!"
"The real immortal sects ride on clouds, raise cranes, a single sword reaching thousands of miles, demons and ghosts as servants, moving mountains to build palaces!"
"Even if he, the Third Young Master, has caught the attention of a cultivation sect, he is just an ordinary warrior now."
"Small Spirit Realm? At most, he has the strength of Foundation Building Second Stage, not even considered an entry-level in the cultivation world."
"Do you really think the Third Young Master can dominate with just one hand? Act as he pleases?"
Pang Guan's expression froze, his eyes stagnant, gradually giving way to a trace of fear. The concept of the immortal sect that Shuro spoke of was not unfamiliar to him, but no one had articulated it so clearly before. The young man before him spoke without hesitation. In the eyes of everyone, including the Third Young Master, the solitary Moon Mountain immortal sect was an elevated existence, almost divine! Yet, Shuro remained remarkably calm, not feigning indifference but genuinely unaffected. Who was he? Who was he really? At this moment, Pang Guan vaguely sensed that he and John seemed to have become entangled with an entity far beyond their capacity. What's more terrifying was that the Third Young Master, renowned for his foresight, remained oblivious.
Pang Guan's pupils contracted, and the remaining light in his eyes faded away. At the end of his life, he finally realized that the young man before him was far from an ordinary character, and his terror was no less than that of the Third Young Master.
Lewis stared blankly at Shuro's figure, a hint of gratitude on his face. Lee swallowed hard, feeling a chill in his heart. Thump! The notorious leader of the Yanshan bandits fell to his knees in the snow, meeting his end with resentment.
Having committed numerous atrocities, he died.
Having lived in a prestigious household, Shuro was accustomed to the comings and goings of life and death. However, this was his first time taking a life, and he couldn't help but feel a bit disoriented.
Soon after, Shuro recalled Pang Guan framing and tormenting him, the humiliation he endured. Gradually, an indescribable sentiment wrapped around Shuro's heart, a cathartic and exhilarating feeling, prompting an urge to let out a resounding roar.
Turning around, Shuro looked at Lee. Shuro had no favorable impression of Lee, even a sense of repulsion. During these days of meditation, some conversations between Lee and Lewis had reached his ears. Lee felt a shiver as Shuro's gaze fell upon him, recalling Shuro's calculated moves from pretending weakness, severing Pang Guan's arm, to finally killing him with absolute strength.
All seemed composed and methodical, each step intricately connected. Even now, Lee still felt somewhat dazed. The renowned Tianxuan Hand of Caelius Capital was killed by a fifteen-year-old youth in just a few moves. Who would believe such a story?
With a wry smile, Lee approached Pang Guan's lifeless body. Under Shuro's curious gaze, the middle-aged man, who didn't look like an internal guard, took out a small pouch from his belt. It contained various bottles and jars. Taking out a small black bottle, Lee evenly sprinkled the powder from the bottle onto Pang Guan's corpse.
The body began to dissolve, leaving only a puddle of pus and Pang Guan's remnants."This way, there's no evidence of death, and no one will suspect the Young Master. The backyard is secluded, and the patriarch and other experts are still in the main mansion. It's unlikely that anyone heard. Lewis, if someone asks, just say no one ever came," Lee said with a smiling face, trying to please Shuro.
Shuro seemed unresponsive, walking forward to pick up a book and a small wooden box from the ground. The book bore four large characters, "Fire Escape Secrets," while the box contained a gray pill the size of a pigeon egg.
Turning around, Shuro looked at the young man who had just stood up, rubbing his arms and frowning. Warmth appeared in Shuro's eyes. "These are all yours."
Perhaps due to the recent tears, the youth's face was now speckled and the black ink washed away, revealing his original appearance. With delicate features, slender lips, a high nose bridge, and starry eyes, he exhibited a beauty that Shuro had never seen before.
Wait, Where have I seen him before? "It's you!" Shuro's eyes lit up, recalling the young man he had a chance encounter with at the market a few years ago. Having mastered the Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique and initially guided his body's potential, Shuro's mind became clearer.
"Lewis, your luck has come." Seeing Lewis standing there in shock, Lee gently nudged him and whispered, "This 'Fire Escape Secrets' is an advanced alchemy martial art, ten times more sophisticated than what you usually practice. This big reviving pill can boost your strength for three years. As long as you don't make any major mistakes, you'll be promoted to a family general within ten years. Hurry up and thank the Young Master Shuro!"
Listening to Lee's words, Lewis finally understood what Shuro had given him. Indeed, as Lee said, if he could become a family general within ten years, his salary would increase at least a hundredfold. By then, he could buy a house outside the capital, bring back his little sister, and even rebuild the family house, relocating his parents' graves from the desolate outskirts.
"Thank you, Young Master Shuro," Lewis said excitedly, receiving the manual and the pill.
In his eyes, both the manual and the pill were extremely precious. Shuro, without even glancing at them, gave them to him without hesitation, making Lewis feel both moved and ashamed.
"For what I've done for you, these are nothing," Shuro said sincerely.
In the eyes of the Nine-Dragon Sovereign, compared to the secret techniques and elixir recipes from his memories, these were indeed insignificant. Shuro felt an indescribable emotion from Lewis that he had never experienced before. Shuro even planned to find a martial art from the Nine-Dragon Sovereign's memories for Lewis to practice after dealing with the Third Young Master.
Looking at the stuttering young internal guard, Lee felt a mix of envy and regret. Clever as a fox, how could he not see Shuro's disdain for him? At this moment, Shuro had given Lee a glimmer of hope, a chance to restore his former strength, and perhaps even surpass it!
Lee vividly remembered that when Shuro came in, his energy pellet had been shattered, making him a cripple. In just ten days, Shuro had acquired strength surpassing the Small Spirit Realm, effortlessly killing Pang Guan of the Tianxuan Hand, and even touching the strange fire with his bare hands without harm. He treated top-tier alchemy martial art manuals and elixirs, including the final conversation with Pang Guan, as if they were worthless. Everything made Lee speculate, and the possibility he considered made him excited and trembling.
The heavy snow gradually ceased, and a bright moon emerged from behind the mist. Shuro halted at the courtyard entrance.
Lee became anxious, his heart pounding with nervous excitement.
Under the moonlight, the youth turned around.
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His countenance appeared somewhat pallid, yet his cheeks held a rosy hue. The vast expanse of the heavens provided a canvas for his lofty features, as if a few strokes on a scroll had outlined his brows and visage. His complexion was overly fair, resembling a statue sculpted from crystal, standing in the snow beneath the moon. With flowing long hair, he exuded a transcendent and otherworldly aura.
"All that transpires tonight must remain unknown to anyone," remarked Shuro without glancing at Lee, addressing only Lewis. Then, he gracefully exited the small courtyard, departing like a drifting wisp.
With a glimpse of profound disappointment in his eyes, Lee sank into a seat, wearing a despondent expression.
Stepping onto the mansion wall, Shuro took a deep breath. As moonlight dimmed, a chilly frost seemed to descend upon him from the stars. His pores expanded, drawing in the lunar essence. A cool sensation permeated his skin, muscles, bones, and bloodstream, refining Shuro's physique. The experience was so delightful that Shuro felt an impulse to let out a triumphant roar.
"If Nine-Dragon Sovereign were to discover that someone has mastered the 'Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique' in this world, I wonder how he would react," pondered Shuro silently. Born into the martial world, Shuro had acquired the memories of a demonic sovereign nearly two thousand years old overnight. Comparing the techniques from those memories, Shuro swiftly realized that the 'Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique' he practiced could be described as unprecedented and peerless.
Whether it was the foundational methods or the martial arts of alchemy, they inevitably involved ingesting elixirs for assistance in the initial stages.
Shuro's 'Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique' required no such aids. From the outset, it allowed him to transition directly from acquired to innate, reaching the pinnacle of foundational perfection. The technique utilized the essence of heaven and earth as external medicine, and the true fire and true water as internal medicine, assisting Shuro in unlocking his body's latent potential. As the mantra said, "The human body holds great medicine, capable of forging a great path." What elixir in the world could compare to the boundless potential within the human body?
Taking a step forward, Shuro leaped off the wall.
The prenatal water and fire rotated rapidly above his dantian, setting off a rush of qi and blood through his meridians. Astonishingly, with a single step, Shuro covered a distance of ten steps, swiftly gliding over the neighboring mansion's roof as though on horseback.
Shuro relished this unfamiliar sensation. Playing around, he traversed from one mansion to another, covering a considerable distance in no time.
The York family had two mansions, with the secondary mansion situated in the western district of Caelius Capital, while the main mansion resided in the eastern district. The eastern district, also known as the district of culture and martial prowess, housed mansions owned by officials of the third rank or higher.
Arriving in the eastern district, where lanterns had long been extinguished, Shuro observed that only the third mansion on the left remained brightly lit. The birthday banquet for the old lady was approaching, and the entire mansion was tirelessly preparing, even past midnight.
Gazing at the majestic character "York" on the plaque above the mansion's entrance, Shuro reminisced about the events that had transpired that day, feeling as if it were a distant lifetime ago.
Effortlessly leaping over the mansion wall, Shuro inhaled deeply.
As moonlight dimmed, Shuro felt a scattering frost descend from the heavens, quickly enveloping him. Allowing his pores to expand, Shuro absorbed the lunar essence into his body. The refreshing sensation traversed his skin, muscles, bones, and blood, refining Shuro's physicality. It felt so pleasant that Shuro wanted to howl in satisfaction.
"If Nine-Dragon Sovereign learns that someone has mastered the 'Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique,' I wonder how he'll react," silently contemplated Shuro.
Shuro originated from the martial world, yet he now possessed the memories of a nearly two-thousand-year-old demonic sovereign. Upon comparing these memories with his practiced technique, Shuro swiftly concluded that his 'Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique' could genuinely be described as unparalleled.
While all foundation methods and alchemical martial arts typically involved ingesting elixirs to aid in cultivation, Shuro's 'Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique' required no such assistance. From the outset, it allowed Shuro to transition directly from acquired to innate, reaching the pinnacle of foundational perfection. The technique utilized the essence of heaven and earth as external medicine, and true fire and true water as internal medicine, assisting Shuro in unlocking his body's latent potential. As the mantra said, "The human body holds great medicine, capable of forging a great path." What elixir in the world could compare to the boundless potential within the human body?
Taking a step forward, Shuro leaped off the wall.
The prenatal water and fire rotated rapidly above his dantian, setting off a rush of qi and blood through his meridians. Astonishingly, with a single step, Shuro covered a distance of ten steps, swiftly gliding over the neighboring mansion's roof as though on horseback.
Shuro relished this unfamiliar sensation. Playing around, he traversed from one mansion to another, covering a considerable distance in no time.
The York family had two mansions, with the secondary mansion situated in the western district of Caelius Capital, while the main mansion resided in the eastern district. The eastern district, also known as the district of culture and martial prowess, housed mansions owned by officials of the third rank or higher.
Arriving in the eastern district, where lanterns had long been extinguished, Shuro observed that only the third mansion on the left remained brightly lit. The birthday banquet for the old lady was approaching, and the entire mansion was tirelessly preparing, even past midnight.
Gazing at the majestic character "York" on the plaque above the mansion's entrance, Shuro reminisced about the events that had transpired that day, feeling as if it were a distant lifetime ago.
Lightly jumping, Shuro floated over the mansion wall. Though his cultivation level was only slightly higher than that of the small Void Spirit realm, the extraordinary nature of the 'Nine Deaths to Reborn Technique' made Shuro enter a state of prenatal breath at will, silent and invisible. Despite the presence of formidable experts within the mansion, none could detect Shuro's movements.
In a short time, Shuro arrived in front of a secluded cottage in the backyard.
He had been here ten days ago.
On that day, he was supposed to accompany the steward of the secondary mansion to deliver goods, but under the influence of the chief steward of the main mansion's enthusiasm, he ended up drinking in the kitchen at noon. The members of the main mansion took advantage of the occasion of the old lady's birthday banquet to enthusiastically offer toasts, and as Shuro was not as highly ranked as the steward of the secondary mansion, he started representing him in drinking after three rounds.
Unexpectedly, things took a turn for the worse after a few drinks. Originally intending to sneak out for some fresh air.
//////
Putting aside reminiscences, Shuro entered the small abode with a stern countenance, casually closing the door behind him. The interior of the dwelling was as unassuming as its exterior—dimly lit with a solitary lamp, bare walls, and only a bed, a wardrobe, and a woman.
The woman had her back turned to Shuro, gazing absently at the snowy landscape outside the window. Strands of dark hair cascaded down, resembling a piece of delicate silk that invited one's touch. Despite the freezing weather, she wore only a thin layer of cotton gauze, revealing a glimpse of skin akin to Caelius Capital. Shuro could deduce that she must have cultivated some peculiar technique to withstand the severe cold.
Sensing a disturbance, the woman turned around.
Her demeanor was aloof, like frost in the moonlight, repelling others from a considerable distance. Yet, the gracefully full contours of her figure, her eyes captivating as the stars in the night, and the effortlessly elegant beauty that no painter could imitate fully bestowed upon her an irresistible charm.
Objectively speaking, her beauty was not extraordinary, but rather like an orchid in a secluded valley—endowed with a timeless allure. Such a woman appeared to emerge from the vortex of ice and fire, embodying contradictions, distant yet near, captivating every man in the world.
Seeing Shuro, she revealed a slight surprise.
"I'm sure you must be quite astonished to see me," Shuro took two steps forward, speaking.
The woman's surname was Blanche, and she was the wife of the York family's eldest son, the main mansion's master. It was she who had implicated Shuro with the crime of disrespecting his sister-in-law, a charge that Shuro now detested her for.
Blanche hesitated for a moment, a peculiar expression flashing in her beautiful eyes before she nodded slightly.
Indeed, she was surprised, but beyond that, she felt gratitude. Ten days ago, while practicing in the small abode, she had sensed a strange fragrance. Shortly after, she felt her head heavy, feet light, and a drowsy sensation taking over. Blanche, with her accomplished cultivation and abundant true energy, was usually unaffected by common fragrances, indicating that this must be an enchanting fragrance concocted by the celestial realm. In the midst of her daze, the Third Young Master arrived with a youth she had never seen before.
The youth emanated profound energy, with a faint aura of detachment. However, upon seeing Blanche, he instantly reverted to his true self, not saying a word and immediately making inappropriate advances.
Although she had been married to the eldest son of the York family for two years, the master of the house had been dedicated to his pursuit of immortality, never paying attention to Blanche. Despite Blanche's distress at the indiscretion, the Third Young Master, who usually treated her with utmost respect, stood by and watched with a smirk.
Just as Blanche was losing hope, a commotion came from outside the courtyard. Startled, the young man on top of her seemed unwilling to be seen. After hesitating for a moment, he quickly left. Blanche managed to preserve her chastity.
Never did she expect that, just when she was worrying about the youth, he would appear before her. Compared to his intoxicated state ten days ago, the current youth resembled a newly forged sword, exuding an exceptional temperament, sharp and imposing. Blanche couldn't help but feel curious.
At this moment, Shuro spoke.
"Thanks to you, my Qi Pill was rendered useless, and my reputation tarnished! I undeniably saved you, yet you, this malicious woman, repay kindness with enmity, colluding with John to frame me!"
Blanche was momentarily stunned.
The cold contours of the young man's brows and the undisguised disgust in his eyes turned her once fervent enthusiasm into nothingness in an instant. It was not surprising that Shuro would think this way; in his earlier prejudiced thoughts, if it weren't for the Third Young Master and Blanche simultaneously accusing him falsely, would he have been so quickly convicted?
"So, what do you propose?"
A woman's cold voice echoed in Shuro's ears as he gazed at Blanche. He felt that she was different from before, with a clear absence of something in her eyes, a hint of frost in her gaze.
Shuro didn't dwell on deep thoughts; he was considering Blanche's issue. His purpose in coming here was to start with Blanche to clear his name. However, the lady of the main mansion was different from what he had anticipated. She showed no signs of panic; instead, she remained remarkably composed, leaving Shuro somewhat at a loss on where to begin.
After all, Shuro was only fifteen years old, inheriting the memories of the Nine-Dragon Sovereign, yet not quite adept at the Nine-Dragon Sovereign's deep scheming.
Just then, from outside the small cottage, came a fleeting and uncertain laughter: "Under the command of the Third Young Master, Leonard, one of the lackeys under the Third Young Master's door, has come to visit."
Shuro and Blanche exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised.
"He is one of John's three major lackeys," Blanche averted her gaze, muttering to herself.
Shuro furrowed his brows; how could he not know who Leonard was? Among John's three chief henchmen, Leonard was even more formidable than Pang Guan, possessing the cultivation of the Grand Void Spirit realm, incredible strength, and mastery of the Seven-Fold Escape Technique. Not only was he powerful, but Leonard also surpassed Pang Guan in terms of reputation.
He had a mysterious background, known as a demonic menace in the central regions before being recruited by John. Leonard was notorious for his extreme lasciviousness, taking pleasure not only in women but also in men. Unfortunately, handsome young men who fell into his hands often ended up with withered vitality, meeting a fate worse than death.
The footsteps drew nearer, and Shuro's heartstrings tightened.
He had hurriedly come to find Blanche to clear his name; if seen by Leonard, even if he managed to narrowly escape, he would still be further implicated. At that point, it would be impossible to clear his name, even if he jumped into the Yellow River.
He needed to find a place to hide!
Shuro thought to himself. He surveyed the surroundings, but the four walls were bare, and the only wardrobe was too small. Eventually, Shuro turned his gaze towards the nearby bed.
...
Knocking sounds echoed.
"The lady's room is still illuminated; it seems she hasn't slept. In that case, I, Leonard, will come in."
The door to the small cottage was pushed open, revealing a robust man dressed in black martial attire. He glanced around, seeing the high-hanging curtains and the woman lying on the bed, reading by the lamplight at the head of the bed.
Indeed, she was the former renowned beauty of Caelius Capital!
Swiftly scanning the alluring curves beneath the quilt behind the curtain, Leonard swallowed his saliva.
Suppressing his urges, Leonard respectfully said, "Leonard, on the Young Master's orders, has come to visit the lady."
Without even looking at Leonard, Blanche continued flipping through her scroll, calmly stating, "In the middle of the night, isn't your master afraid of making a scene?"
Hehe, Leonard chuckled and raised his head. "The Young Master asked me to tell the lady something. Pang Guan is dead."
After speaking, Leonard stared intently at the eyes behind the curtain. To his disappointment, the surprise in Blanche's eyes seemed genuine, not feigned.
Could it be that she didn't kill Pang Guan? Then who did?
The secondary mansion? Impossible. They would never openly confront the Third Young Master over this matter.
Leonard was perplexed.